The most stylish ways to wear the cool cut-out trend

The peekaboo look is perfect for summer, says Katie Wright.

Cut-out detailing is a major summer trend (River Island/PA)

The chicest way to flash a little flesh without feeling totally exposed, cut-out detailing is the subtle way to do sexy this season.

Inspired by the spring/summer 2022 catwalks – where designers such as David Koma, Supriya Lele and Stella McCartney presented Noughties-style dresses and jumpsuits with slashes and holes all over the place – the high street’s summer collections offer a more wearable take on the peekaboo look.

From party dresses to poolside attire, here are three fab ways to try the trend…

Cut-outs on the catwalk at David Koma SS22 (David Koma/PA)

Occasionwear

Got lots of parties and events coming up? A floaty frock in a summery shade is always a winner.

A floral maxi or midi dress with just a hint of cut-out detailing on the waist is wedding-friendly, while a peekaboo back is subtly sexy (and great for showing off your holiday tan).

(New Look/PA)

New Look Lilac Shirred Cut Out Side Tiered Midi Dress, £29.99

(Lipsy/PA)

Lipsy Empire Midi Dress in Pink, £58, Next

River Island Green Floral Cut Out Shift Midi Dress, £46

Holiday wardrobe

Keep cool on a sunny holiday with a breezy cut-out maxi dress in a bold print, teamed with strappy sandals and a trendy wicker bag.

For the casual way to do cut-outs, tops with peekaboo or cold-shoulder details can be dressed down with shorts and trainers, or styled up with a sassy skirt and heels for evening.

(Chi Chi/PA)

Chi Chi London Cut-Out Floral Maxi Dress in Navy, £40 (was £58)

(PrettyLittleThing/PA)

PrettyLittleThing Stone Zebra Extreme Cut Out Rope Detail Beac Maxi Dress, £31 (was £35)

(Roman/PA)

Roman Navy Tie Dye Print Cold Shoulder Top, £24

(Very/PA)

V by Very Cut Out Rib Vest Bright Blue, £15

Swimwear

The perfect in-between option if you want the coverage and support of a one-piece in the style of a bikini, cut-out swimsuits come with a peekaboo hole on the midriff.

This season’s swimwear is all about prints – from girly gingham and Seventies swirls, to fierce leopard spots and zebra stripes.

(George/PA)

George Black Gingham Cut Out Swimsuit, £16, Asda

(M&Co/PA)

M&Co Leopard Print Cut Out Swimsuit, £29.99

(River Island/PA)

River Island Green Printed Cut Out Plunge Swimsuit, £12 (was £36)